GUIDE TO THE

‘IP’ CODES FOR

ENCLOSURES

Third Edition
DEGREE OF PROTECTION
BS EN 60529: 1992 (IEC 529 1989)

The Electrical Installation Equipment Manufacturers' Association

INTRODUCTION TO EIEMA

T he Electrical Installation Equipment Manufacturers’ Association is an independent,

incorporated Association of manufacturers of electrical installation equipment
whose roots go back to the early days of the electrotechnical industry. In 1972 EIEMA
Limited was formed from the Electrical Installation Equipment Department of BEAMA
– The British Electrotechnical and Allied Manufacturers’ Association.

EIEMA has 45 members ranging from companies which are the UK Divisions of large
multinational companies to small owner managed niche market companies. EIEMA is
organised into four Product Groups as follows:

• Single Phase Product Group (SPPG)

Wiring Accessories, MCBs, RCDs, Power Track, Consumer Units.
• Industrial Products Group (IPG)
Fuses, Distribution Boards (standard), Switch & Fusegear, MCCBs (as well as MCBs
and RCDs), ACBs, Industrial Plugs and Sockets.
• Engineered Product Systems Group (EPSG)
Low Voltage Switchboards, Busduct products.
• Cutout & Feeder Pillar Group (COFP)
Cutouts, Feeder Pillars.

The benefits of membership fall into two broad categories which are representation and
access to Association services. The main areas in which the Association represents its
members are in legislative and standardisation matters. The former is done both directly
by established relationships with appropriate Government or EU departments in London
and Brussels, and through BEAMA and various European manufacturers’ groups.

Active participation in the work of numerous national, international and European

standards committees has provided the background and support to ensure safety and
performance for the design, development and manufacture of EIEMA members’
products. The result is quality equipment of the highest standard throughout each group
of the Association.

Other services offered by the Association include legal, statistics and export support.
In addition the Association is a channel for liaison with customer associations such as the
Electrical Distributors' Association (EDA) and the Electrical Contractors' Association
(ECA).

Acknowledgements
EIEMA would like to thank: IEC and BSI for allowing references to their standards.
 CONTENTS

Section Page

An Introduction to EIEMA

Preface
2

1 Introduction
3

2 Scope
4

3 Object
4

4 Designations
6

5 Selection
7

6 IP Codes
9

7 Weatherproof applications
11

8 Drainage holes
12

9 Ventilated equipment
13

10 Empty enclosures
13

11 Typical examples
14

This publication is available at £10 plus postage and packing.

 PREFACE T he object of this guide is to provide an easily understood document, aiding
interpretation of the requirements for enclosure protection related to EIEMA
products.

Principally, these requirements are detailed in BS EN 60529:1992 (IEC 60529:1989

second edition) which defines the degrees of protection provided by enclosures
classified under the International Protection (IP) Code and the test conditions required
to meet these classifications. This guide should be read in conjunction with those
documents.

Readers should note, the requirements in the Standard call for comparative tests
and these bear no actual relationship to specific weather or corrosive conditions.

The guide seeks to provide a simplified understanding of the standard, accompanied

by some typical examples as foreseen for the general products available from EIEMA
member Companies. As BS EN 60529 is a document covering a wide range of
IP1X 50.0mm dia sphere
– no penetration equipment, only those sections relevant to EIEMA products are covered.

Certain additional information

has been included having regard
to the particular considerations
necessary for equipment intended
for exposure to weather and to the
requirement for natural ventilation,
which exists with some products.

It is the intention of EIEMA to

review this guide periodically, to
reflect changes in related specific-
ations, product standards and
working practices.

2
1
INTRODUCTION
B S EN 60529 describes a system for classifying degrees of protection provided by
enclosures, principally for electrical equipment.

It should be noted that empty enclosures may be supplied and therefore could be
used for other applications.

Whilst this system is suitable for use with most types of electrical equipment, it
should not be assumed that all the listed degrees of protection are applicable to a
particular type of equipment.

The manufacturer of the equipment or enclosure should be consulted to determine

the degree of protection available and the parts of equipment to which the stated degree
of protection applies, if this is not clearly stated in the literature or on the enclosure.

It is particularly important where enclosures need to be adapted or modified by

the user for the attachment of other equipment or for installation and cabling, that any
instructions provided by the enclosure manufacturer should be strictly observed, to
ensure the required degree of protection is maintained.

BS EN 60529 provides for an optional extension of the IP Code by single additional

letters A, B, C or D if the actual protection of persons against access to hazardous parts
is higher than that indicated by the first characteristic numeral. This particularly applies
to ventilated equipment where internal barriers etc., give added protection for
personnel, and this consideration was not included in the First Edition of the standard.

IP2X Test finger Designation with a degree of

protection implies that the
enclosure also complies with all
the lower degrees except for the
immersion categories.

In general the higher the

IP code, the more expensive the
enclosure, but specifying a higher
degree of protection does not
necessarily ensure it is the most
suitable for a particular app-
lication. For instance ventilation
reduces the possibility of internal
condensation (See sections 7, 8 & 9).
It may also be necessary to de-rate
equipment, which relies upon
natural ventilation if a sealed
enclosure is required.

3
 2
SCOPE T he code letters IP of BS EN 60529 refer to International Protection as applicable to
enclosures of electrical equipment with a rated voltage not exceeding 72.5kV. It
should be noted that this standard is also applicable to empty enclosures provided that
the general test requirements are met and that the selected degree of protection is
suitable for the type of equipment to be enclosed.

The majority of EIEMA products are required to conform to the Low Voltage
Directive. This guide is therefore only intended to describe the classifications for degrees
of protection provided by enclosures of electrical equipment with a rated voltage not
exceeding 1000V ac and 1500V dc.

3
OBJECT D egrees of protection are classified in three general categories.

1) Protection of persons against access to hazardous parts inside enclosures.

This is intended to cover protection of persons against accidental contact with

electrically ‘live’ or otherwise hazardous mechanical parts contained within the
enclosure, e.g. rotating blades, switch mechanisms etc.

2) Protection of the equipment inside the enclosure against the ingress of solid
foreign objects.

Intended to cover protection of the equipment mounted inside against tools, and/or
strands of wire and/or the harmful ingress of dust particles.
Barriers, shapes of openings or any other means - whether attached to the enclosure
or formed by the enclosed equipment - suitable to prevent or limit the penetration of the
specified test probes are considered as a part of the enclosure, except when they can be
removed without the use of a key or tool.

3) Protection of the equipment inside the enclosure against harmful ingress of water.

Intended to cover protection

of equipment from harmful
effects due to dripping, spraying,
splashing and hosing or total
immersion.

It should be noted that the

specified degrees of protection
in this third area of BS EN 60529
do not include a strict
classification for weather resis-
tance, corrosion prevention, or
resistance to other physically
hazardous conditions.

IP3X 2.5mm probe

4
 BS EN 60529 states in clause 2, that measures to protect against,

• mechanical impact • solar radiation

• corrosion • icing
• corrosive solvents • moisture (condensation)
• fungus • explosive atmospheres
• vermin • contact with moving parts external to the enclosure

are not considered and should form part of the product specification where relevant.

Where an enclosure needs to be machined or adapted for the attachment of cable

glands, conduit or any other equipment, any instructions provided by the enclosure
manufacturer should be strictly observed to ensure the required degree of protection is
maintained.

Although not a part of BS EN 60529, some general notes on weather resistance,

drainage holes and the need for natural ventilation in certain products are included in
sections 7, 8 and 9 of this guide.

IPX1 – Vertically dripping

5
4
DESIGNATIONS T he degrees of protection provided by an enclosure are indicated by the IP code in
the following way:

CODE LETTERS IP 2 3 D W
International Protection

FIRST NUMERAL 0-6, or letter X

Protection of persons by prevention or limiting
ingress of parts of the human body or solid objects

SECOND NUMERAL 0-8, or letter X

Resistance to ingress of water

ADDITIONAL LETTER (Optional)

Enhanced personnel protection, see section 6.
A: up to the guard/stop face of 50.0mm sphere
B: up to the guard/stop face of test finger
C: up to the guard/stop face of 2.5mm x 100.0mm probe
D: up to the guard/stop face of 1.0mm x 100.0mm probe

SUPPLEMENTARY LETTER (Optional)

For specific applications.
H: High voltage equipment
M: Moving or rotating equipment
(Tested whilst in motion)

S: Moving or rotating equipment

(Tested whilst at rest) Note:
H, M & S are not
W: Weather conditions generally applicable to
(Agreed between Manufacturer and User) EIEMA products.

‘X’ Letter

The letter ‘X’ is used in place of the first or second numeral by equipment manufacturers
to indicate that tests are not applicable to the product1. It is also used in standards to
indicate that for the range of products covered such protection is not required.

eg: IP4X specifies that protection against the 1.0mm probe is required and that there is no
requirement for the protection from the ingress of water.

Note 1: Some product standards require a minimum of IP2X.

6
 IPX2 – Dripping 15º
from the vertical

5
SELECTION S election should be made by initially considering the protection required at the
place of installation:

a) of persons likely to use or come into contact with the equipment.

b) the suitability of the enclosure for the working environment for which it is intended.

The specified/claimed IP Code applies when the equipment/enclosure is properly

installed, according to the manufacturers’ instructions.

In areas where only skilled (2) and/or instructed persons (3) have access, an enclosure
with a lower protection category may be acceptable, whereas the opposite would apply
where uninstructed persons have access.

e.g. In general, wiring accessory product standards specify protection against access
to hazardous parts. A typical requirement for accessories used in domestic or
commercial environments will be IP2XD.

Note 2: Skilled Person. A person with technical knowledge or sufficient experience to enable
him/her to avoid dangers which electricity may create.

Note 3: Instructed Person. A person adequately advised or supervised by skilled persons to

enable him/her to avoid dangers which electricity may create.

7
 TYPICAL INSTALLATIONS
Installation Considerations

Residential/Office/ Generally clean, dry and free from harmful deposits of dust, but some condensate
School may be present due to atmospheric conditions.

Minimum protection typically IP2XC for dry conditions.

Control rooms/ Generally dry and free from harmful deposits of dust, but some condensate may be
Sub-Stations present due to atmospheric conditions.

Where access is restricted to skilled or instructed persons, IP2X is the typical

minimum requirement for dry conditions.

Commercial/ May not be clean, but normally dry and free from harmful deposits of dust. Suitable
Light Industrial minimum protection,

a) Where condensate is not present, IP2XC

b) Where condensate may be present, IP21C.

c) Equipment installed within range of fire sprinkler systems, IP22C.

Machine control equipment, where fluids may be present, e.g. lathes, millers etc.,
typically IP54.

Consideration should also be given to the corrosive properties of certain fluids

Heavy Industrial, May not be totally clean, with possible presence of corrosive elements and harmful
Chemical, deposits of dust. Protection to IP54 will be typically required, with special
Steel making etc consideration given to the corrosion resisting properties of the enclosure.

Food Processing Will vary depending on the type of food being processed and the possible
requirement for washing down. Where fine powders are present, a minimum of IP53
should be used. This should be increased to IP54/55 if the equipment needs to be
washed/hosed down.

Weatherproof If subjected to exposure to any weather condition, agreement between the User
and Manufacturer is necessary together with additional consideration given to the
corrosion resisting properties of the enclosure and fittings. See section 7.

Note: A comprehensive explanation of IP codes is given on pages 9 and 10.

8
 FIRST NUMERAL
Protection against ingress Meaning protection
of solid foreign objects of persons against
access to hazardous
parts with:
IP Requirements Example

0 no protection no protection
provided

1 full penetration of 50.0mm

6
IP CODES diameter sphere not
allowed and shall have back of hand
adequate clearance from 50
First numeral hazardous parts. Contact
with hazardous parts not
Second numeral permitted

Additional letter 2 full penetration of 12.5mm

diameter sphere not allowed.
The jointed test finger shall finger
have adequate clearance 12.5
from hazardous parts

3 the access probe of

2.5mm diameter tool
shall not penetrate

4 the access probe of

1.0mm diameter wire
shall not penetrate

5 limited ingress of
dust permitted wire
(no harmful deposit,
refer to standard)

6 totally protected
against ingress wire
of dust

9
SECOND NUMERAL
Protection against harmful Meaning for ADDITIONAL LETTER Meaning protection
ingress of water protection (Optional) of persons against
from ingress access to hazardous
of water: parts with:
IP Requirements Example IP Requirements Example

A
0 no protection no protection For use with first numerals 0
provided
penetration of
50.0mm diameter
sphere up to
1 protected against
vertically falling drops
vertically
dripping guard face must
50
of water. not contact back of
hazardous parts. hand

2 protected against Enclosure

vertically falling drops tilted 15º B
of water with enclosure from the For use with first numerals 0 & 1
tilted 15º from the vertical test finger finger
vertical. penetration to a
maximum of
80.0mm must not
contact hazardous
3 protected against limited parts
sprays to 60º from the spraying
vertical.
C
for use with first numerals 0, 1 & 2
4 protected against water splashing wire of 2.5mm
splashed from all from all diameter x 100.0mm
directions. directions long must not
contact hazardous tool
parts when
spherical stop face
5 protected against low hosing jets is partially entered
pressure jets of water from all
from all directions. directions
D
For use with first numerals 0, 1, 2 & 3
wire of 1.0mm
6 protected against strong diameter x 100.0mm
strong jets of water hosing jets long must not
from all contact hazardous wire
directions parts when
spherical stop face
is partially entered

7 protected against the 15cm temporary

effects of immersion immersion
between 15.0 cm and
1.0 m Limited penetration allowed with
X1, X2, X3, X4, X5 and all four additional letters.
Refer to standard.
8 protected against immersion
longer periods of
immersion under
pressure

10
7
WEATHERPROOF
APPLICATIONS T he effects of continuous exposure to weather and the environment are difficult to
evaluate, and therefore the choice of material for the enclosure is as important as
the actual IP designation.

The object of this guide is to draw attention of the user to the type of pitfalls that can
be encountered in the selection of materials. (BS EN 60529 does not include any guidance
to the selection of enclosure materials.)

It should be noted that IP ratings are for ingress only and that tests are comparative
and are conducted with fresh water.

Therefore, they in no way indicate the enclosure’s ability to withstand the effects
of corrosion from salt water, chemicals, acid rain and other special environments as
well as the normal expected weather conditions.

Thus, both the material and the finish also become important factors.

Steel is often used but needs thorough pre-treatment in addition to an appropriate

quality paint finish.

Stainless steel is relatively more expensive at the outset, but gives a long maintenance
free life in most environments.

Aluminium is also often used for outdoor use, but its grade, location and finish needs
careful consideration to avoid corrosion. If the protective finish becomes damaged, it
can quickly corrode, however the oxides of aluminium themselves form a protective
coating against corrosion in some atmospheres.

Enclosures of moulded materials are available for use in harsh environments and
generally provide good resistance to corrosion and chemicals. However to avoid
deterioration, careful consideration is required when choosing moulded enclosures as
some materials do not perform well with dilute acids or certain chemicals or when
exposed to ultra violet light (direct sun light). The vast range of moulding materials now
available makes it essential for specifiers to consult the manufacturer for information on
the ability of moulded materials to withstand hostile environments.

It should be noted that enclosures on exposed outdoor sites might be subject to dust,
rain, hail, sleet and snow, all of which can be windborne.

Consideration should also be given to the possible effects of condensation, which can
be caused by occasional temperature changes. This may be solved by ventilation or by
ensuring any condensation created does not cause harm and may be allowed to drain
away.

Drainage holes may be sufficient to disperse the condensate, but these apertures may
reduce the IP rating. However, if correctly designed, drainage holes can enhance the
weatherproof capabilities of an enclosure. See sections 8 & 11.

Attention should also be paid to any gaskets used for the higher IP ratings such that
water cannot readily be drawn past the seal. This is most likely to occur when a warm
enclosure is suddenly cooled causing a pressure drop inside. See section 8.

11
 Thus it can be seen that to specify higher degrees of protection could mean
purchasing equipment that is more expensive, whilst the same objective may be
achieved by having a lower degree of protection with a construction and materials
suitable for the application. An exception to this principle will apply where hosing down
operations are envisaged.

The use of the supplementary letter ‘W’ in the Code indicates that the unit is suitable
for use under specified weather conditions and is provided with additional protective
features as agreed between Manufacturer and User.

For additional guidance on environmental testing, reference should be made to

IEC/BS EN 60068-1.

IPX3 – Limited spraying)

8
DRAINAGE
HOLES
C ertain installations require consideration for the effects of internal condensation
within enclosures. Normally, this will be produced as a result of cyclic temperatures
where a high humidity is present. When the internal ambient temperature is high the air
expands and a proportion is expelled. On cooling the internal air pressure is reduced and
as a result cool, moisture-laden air is drawn in, producing condensation when the air
reaches its dewpoint. If the conditions are repetitive there will be a cumulative build up
of condensed water unless drainage holes are provided.

Drainage holes must be adequately dimensioned and located to permit the free exit
of water from the enclosure, making due allowance for the effects of surface tension.
Generally drainage holes with a minimum of 5.0mm diameter are required, and
therefore internal barriers are required to achieve the enhanced personnel protection of
IP ratings, IP2XC or IP2XD. Even higher ratings can be achieved if external barriers are
employed, or the enclosure is so positioned to prevent access for penetration of the drain
holes. See section 11.

To obtain the intended benefit of drainage, enclosures must be mounted in

accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions.

12
 IPX4 – Splashing from
all directions

9
VENTILATED
EQUIPMENT
V entilation can provide an important contribution to the satisfactory operation of
enclosed equipment. Where significant heat is generated in an enclosure,
ventilation is generally employed to permit the equipment to operate within its designed
performance characteristics.

To minimise enclosure size and cost it is common practice to employ natural

ventilation, using louvres and/or vents as required. Suitably located louvres and/or
vents can provide protection against the ingress of heavy dust and occasional drips of
condensate falling from above.

Typically applicable codes for totally dry situations are IP2XC or IP3X. For
installations where externally falling condensate is anticipated, IP21C or IP31 would be
appropriate.

Ventilation is also beneficial in reducing the possibility of internal condensation

caused by changes in air temperature and humidity.

10
EMPTY
ENCLOSURES
B S EN 60529 requires the final manufacturer/installer of an assembly to ensure
that after any electrical equipment has been installed within the enclosure, it
still meets the required IP rating.

Suppliers of empty enclosures who claim an IP rating must provide adequate

instructions for the arrangement and subsequent positioning of hazardous parts or other
parts which may be affected by the penetration of solid objects and/or water.

13
 11
TYPICAL
EXAMPLES
T he following are some typical examples chosen with EIEMA products in mind. It is
impossible to show every type of design and it is recognised that other design
variations are possible.

1 Basic enclosures

The IP code for this
example without the
barrier is IP1X, but with the
internal barrier fitted as
shown it can become
IP1XC or even IP1XD.
Smaller aperture to Hinged or removeable Door overlaps the
prevent access of small door type suitable for IP enclosure aperture and
tools etc, therefore IP3X, ratings generally up to when gasketted, this type
but also needs an internal IP42, and would require of design can achieve the
barrier if wire strands good quality gasket to highest IP ratings
need to be excluded. achieve higher values.

2 Drainage holes

The minimum
recommended aperture
sizes to allow for drainage
and overcome the surface
tension of water are 5.0mm
diameter, or a 3.0mm width
slot of 20.0mm2 area.
The basic protection with This can be improved by The IP rating can be
drainage holes would the use of internal barriers, affected by the installation
then be IP2X. and a rating of IP2XD can position; here the mounting
be achieved surface acts as an external
barrier and limits
accessibility.

14
 3 Ventilated equipment

This example provides: Similarly, side louvres Additional internal

can be engineered to barriers can be used to
1 Basic protection against
provide the same enhance the protection
solid objects to IP2X/3X,
protection. against small tools and
and due to the tortuous
individual wire strands,
path, complies with
although this may well
IP2XD/3XD.
affect the efficiency of
2 Protection against water the ventilation. The test
ingress to IPX2. probe is not deemed to
3 Allows for ventilation of have entered the
the equipment. enclosure until the final
barrier has been
penetrated.

APPY IPPY
buys his copy
of "IP Guide"

15
 We hope that this guide
is as helpful to you as it
is to Appy Ippy.

T he pursuit of excellence is the watchword of EIEMA members, who are totally

committed to manufacturing quality. This is evidenced by the fact that members
of the Association are independently assessed to the stringent quality standard ISO 9000
series. Certification of conformity of manufacturers quality management systems with
the requirements of this standard is not easily achieved and once attained is constantly
monitored by regular, independent quality audits. Specifiers and users can be assured of
the attention to quality at all levels of the manufacturing process. This is in addition to
rigorous product type tests to ensure conformity with standards and so demonstrate
compliance with the requirements of National and EC legislation.

16
EIEMA MEMBER
COMPANIES
EIEMA membership
continues to grow, therefore
for the latest information of
EIEMA Member Companies,
please contact EIEMA Ltd.
at the address overleaf or
visit the EIEMA website at
www.eiema.org.uk
GUIDE TO THE
‘IP’ CODES FOR
ENCLOSURES

An EIEMA Publication
Issue No3 - September 2001
The Electrical Installation Westminster Tower
Equipment Manufacturers' 3 Albert Embankment
Association London SE1 7SL

Telephone: 020 7793 3013

Telefax: 020 7735 4158
Other publications from EIEMA: Email: cac@eiema.org.uk
Website: www.eiema.org.uk

Guide to Forms of Separation

Guide to Circuit Breaker Standards
Guide to Type Tested Assemblies and Partially Type Tested Assemblies
Guide to Residual Current Devices
Guide to Low Voltage Busbar Trunking Systems
Guide to Switch & Fusegear Devices
Guide to Fuse Link Applications
EIEMA Members & Product Guide